Magistrate calls for action on legal aid situation

A magistrate yesterday complained that she rarely found a legal aid lawyer when she needed him.

Magistrate Abigail Lofaro called on the Justice Minister to take action in the circumstances, saying she was concerned at the way "advocates for legal aid are rarely present in court when it is their turn to perform their duties".

Magistrate Lofaro voiced her concern at the arraignment of Nigerians Benedicta George, 32, and Joseph Edokpolor, 31, who requested the assistance of legal aid to help them contest the prosecution's claim that they were in Malta without the means to finance their stay.

Dr Leslie Cuschieri was meant to be on duty, she said, but failed to appear after he was called.

She then ordered that the case be sent to the court registrar and assigned to today's duty magistrate.

George and Edokpolor requested bail but Magistrate Lofaro turned down the request because they did not have a fixed address in Malta and there was a risk they would abscond.

Police Inspector Sandro Zarb prosecuted.